New Hampshire voters delivered a mixed verdict on Election Day, handing Democrats a coveted Senate seat while the governor's race remains fiercely contested.
Key points
- Democrat Chris Pappas won the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by Jeanne Shaheen.
- Stefany Shaheen captured the 1st Congressional District seat, succeeding Pappas.
- The governor's race between Kelly Ayotte and Cinde Warmington was still too close to call at the time of reporting.
- Ballot Question 1, proposing to abolish the register of probate, appeared on the same ballot.
On Election Day, New Hampshire voters went to the polls to fill a U.S. Senate seat, a congressional seat in the 1st District, and the governor's office, alongside several ballot questions, according to CBS News and the Associated Press.
The open Senate seat, vacated by retiring Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, attracted national attention. Democratic Congressman Chris Pappas emerged as the winner, defeating former Republican Senator John Sununu in a closely watched contest.
Senate Race
In the 1st Congressional District, voters chose a successor to Pappas. Stefany Shaheen, the daughter of former Senator Shaheen, secured the Democratic nomination and defeated Republican Anthony DiLorenzo to claim the House seat.
The governor's race pitted Republican incumbent Kelly Ayotte against Democratic challenger Cinde Warmington. While final tallies were still pending at the time of reporting, the contest was described as competitive.
1st Congressional District House Race
CBS News also listed results for state legislative districts and two ballot questions, including a proposal to abolish the register of probate, though specific vote totals were not provided in the source.
The outcomes reflect New Hampshire's role as a bellwether in the 2026 midterm cycle, with Democrats gaining a Senate seat and a House seat while the gubernatorial balance remains uncertain.
Reader questions
Who won the New Hampshire U.S. Senate race in 2026?
Democratic Congressman Chris Pappas defeated former Republican Senator John Sununu, according to CBS News.
Which candidate secured the 1st Congressional District seat?
Democrat Stefany Shaheen won the seat, beating Republican Anthony DiLorenzo.
Is the governor's race result final?
The source indicated the race was still close, with no definitive winner reported at the time.
Source: cbsnews.com
